
Penn Museum
Explore millennia of human history with vast collections of artifacts from ancient Egypt, Rome, Greece, and Mesopotamia.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Serene and immersive experience

Penn Museum
Best Time
Serene and immersive experience

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore millennia of human history with vast collections of artifacts from ancient Egypt, Rome, Greece, and Mesopotamia.
"A gem of a museum, not overrun by the masses, offering a serene and enlightening glimpse into history."

🎟️ EBT Card Discount
If you have an EBT card, enjoy $2 admission and bring up to 3 guests for the same price!
🚶♀️ Join a Guided Tour
Experts offer insightful tours, making exhibits come alive with history lessons.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 2,722 reviews
Type
Museum
Website
penn.museumHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Egyptian Collection
Egypt Galleries
Marvel at sarcophagi, mummies, and ancient artifacts, including a small sphinx. A must-see for history buffs!

Roman and Etruscan Worlds
Rome Gallery, Etruscan Gallery
Explore stunning mosaics, pottery, and sculptures that bring ancient Roman and Etruscan life to vivid display.

Sumerian Life
Mesopotamia Gallery
Discover artifacts from ancient Sumer, offering a glimpse into one of the world's earliest civilizations.

Mummy Portraits
Egypt Galleries
See remarkably preserved mummy portraits from Roman Egypt, offering intimate glimpses of individuals from the past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Special Events
Allocate Ample Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ EBT Card Discount
If you have an EBT card, enjoy $2 admission and bring up to 3 guests for the same price!
🚶♀️ Join a Guided Tour
Experts offer insightful tours, making exhibits come alive with history lessons.
🎨 Sketching Allowed
Bring paper and pencils to sketch artifacts; the museum provides these materials.
🅿️ Convenient Parking
A parking garage is conveniently located next to the museum.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ EBT Card Discount
If you have an EBT card, enjoy $2 admission and bring up to 3 guests for the same price!
🚶♀️ Join a Guided Tour
Experts offer insightful tours, making exhibits come alive with history lessons.
🎨 Sketching Allowed
Bring paper and pencils to sketch artifacts; the museum provides these materials.
🅿️ Convenient Parking
A parking garage is conveniently located next to the museum.
📱 Check for Events
Special events or closures can happen; check the website to avoid surprises.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Penn Museum for its extensive and captivating collections, particularly the Egyptian and Roman exhibits. Many highlight the value of expert-led tours and the accessibility offered by discounts like the EBT card program. While some minor inconveniences like occasional event closures or staff confusion have been noted, the overall experience is described as enlightening and memorable, with minimal crowds contributing to a serene visit.
"This place was great. I been going to museums lately since I found out about the EBT card discount to where I can go to any museum participating in the program for $2 and bring up to 3 guests for the same price. This one has been my favorite so far and to be honest it'll be a hard one to beat. I didn't get a chance to check out the Egyptian part, although I did see some Egyptian things like a small sphinx, but outta everything there my absolute favorite exhibit was probably the Romans. Followed by the Etruscan one. I feel like they had the most beautiful history and the stuff was amazing. I definitely recommend this place and I had a great day going."
The Mighty Kennet
"We were originally scheduled to go to a different museum, but it ended up being closed. At the last minute we decided to pivot to Penn Museum… what an unexpected and delightful experience. We really enjoyed the exhibits, but there were also experts posted at different stations that provided a wealth of knowledge. I was told I could touch and pick up a darling little Egyptian lamp… and then the expert told me it was 2,000 years old… I promptly put the lamp back down. :) lol. The only disappointment was that we were originally told by staff that the museum closed at 4:30, but were told later it was closing at 2:30 due to an event. We weren’t able to see all the exhibits because of this. It appears there was just confusion among the staff of what was going on. Overall, I think this is a gem of a museum that isn’t overrun by the masses. Definitely worth checking out!"
J B
"Great museum and ancient exhibitions. We went on Saturday afternoon during summer an It was quite busy. Convenient parking garage next to it. Helpful front desk and fast ticketing. Free for high schoolers and triple AAA discount. $18 for adults and $19 for parking."
geisa arnold
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Penn Museum is located at 3260 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. It's accessible by public transportation, including SEPTA buses and trolleys. Many visitors also find it convenient to drive, with a parking garage on-site.
Yes, there is a convenient parking garage located next to the museum. Be aware that parking fees apply.
SEPTA buses and trolleys serve the area around the Penn Museum. Check SEPTA's website for routes and schedules that best suit your starting point in Philadelphia.
The Penn Museum is part of the University of Pennsylvania campus and is relatively close to other Philadelphia attractions like the Franklin Institute and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, though they require separate travel.
Absolutely! Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a popular and convenient way to reach the Penn Museum. Simply set the museum's address as your destination.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission prices can vary, but typically adults are around $18. High school students and AAA members may receive discounts. Check the official Penn Museum website for the most current pricing and any special offers.
Yes, you can usually purchase tickets at the door. However, for special exhibitions or events, it's highly recommended to buy tickets in advance online to secure your spot.
Yes, discounts are available for high school students and AAA members. Additionally, visitors with an EBT card can get $2 admission for themselves and up to three guests.
Penn Museum hours typically include Tuesdays through Sundays, with varying closing times. It's essential to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours, as they can change due to special events or holidays.
In the past, 2-for-1 ticket offers for the Penn Museum and the Mutter Museum have been available, often requiring in-person purchase at one of the museums. It's best to check current promotions on their respective websites.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the extensive Egyptian collection with mummies and sarcophagi, the captivating Roman and Etruscan galleries, and the ancient Sumerian artifacts. The mummy portraits are also a highlight.
Generally, touching artifacts is not allowed to preserve them. However, some exhibits may have interactive elements or designated areas where touching is permitted, often with staff guidance.
Yes, the museum often offers guided tours led by knowledgeable staff or professors, providing deeper insights into the collections. Arriving in time for a tour is highly recommended.
The Penn Museum offers fascinating exhibits that can engage children, especially those interested in history and ancient cultures. Interactive elements and engaging displays can make it a fun experience for families.
The museum typically offers restrooms, a gift shop, and sometimes a cafe or dining area. Check their website for specific amenities and accessibility information.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Penn Museum often has a cafe or dining area where visitors can purchase snacks, light meals, and beverages. It's advisable to check their website for current operating hours and menu options.
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the museum galleries. However, there might be designated areas for picnics or eating if you plan to bring your own refreshments.
Yes, the museum is located in a vibrant area of Philadelphia with numerous restaurants and cafes offering a variety of cuisines. You can find options ranging from casual eateries to more upscale dining experiences nearby.
The museum cafe typically offers a selection of sandwiches, salads, pastries, and coffee. It's a convenient option for a quick bite while visiting the museum.
Prices at museum cafes can be comparable to other casual dining spots. It's a convenient option, but exploring nearby restaurants might offer more variety or budget-friendly choices.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally allowed in most galleries, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artifacts. Always check for specific signage in each exhibit area.
Yes, flash photography is typically not permitted. Also, some special exhibitions might have stricter photography rules. It's best to be mindful of signage and staff instructions.
The Egyptian galleries with their imposing sarcophagi, the Roman mosaics, and the striking Chinese Rotunda are popular for photography. The mummy portraits also make for compelling shots.
Tripods and selfie sticks are usually not allowed inside the museum to avoid obstructing other visitors and to prevent accidental damage to exhibits.
The vibrant mummy portraits, the intricate details of Roman mosaics, and the grand architecture of the Chinese Rotunda are highly photogenic and popular on social media.
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